Who Are the Why Don’t We Members? A Closer Look at the Band
The Rise of a Modern Boy Band
Why Don’t We, often shortened to WDW, emerged as a prominent American boy band that captured the hearts of millions. The group officially formed on September 27, 2016, bringing together five talented solo artists who had already built their own followings online. Their journey as a collective quickly took off, leading to a whirlwind of tours, EPs, and a dedicated global fanbase known as the “Limelights.”
Unlike many bands that find fame together from the ground up, the members of Why Don’t We were already known for their individual talents. They crossed paths through a series of national tours and social media events, realizing their combined potential was something special. The name itself came from a moment of spontaneous inspiration when they thought, “Why don’t we make this a thing?”
Meet the Five Members of Why Don’t We
The band consists of five distinct personalities, each bringing a unique flavor to the group’s dynamic sound and image. From the seasoned performer to the instrumental prodigy, the members of Why Don’t We created a chemistry that resonated with fans worldwide.
Jonah Marais: The Eldest and the Anchor
As the oldest member, Jonah Marais Roth Frantzich, born June 16, 1998, often took on the role of the group’s “dad.” Raised in Stillwater, Minnesota, he had a passion for music from a young age, inspired by a Justin Bieber concert he attended at age 12. Before WDW, he released a solo album and was a popular streamer on YouNow.
Corbyn Besson: The Virginia Native with a Global Connection
Corbyn Matthew Besson, born November 25, 1998, brought a cool and collected vibe to the band. Hailing from Virginia, he also had a background as a solo artist with a significant YouNow following. An interesting piece of trivia is that his cousins are the members of the Dutch girl group O’G3NE, connecting his musical roots internationally.
Daniel Seavey: The Multi-Instrumentalist Prodigy
Daniel James Seavey, born April 2, 1999, is a true musical prodigy. He first gained national attention as a top 10 finalist on season 14 of American Idol at just 15 years old. Able to play over 20 instruments by ear, Daniel often served as the band’s main producer, shaping much of their signature sound.
Jack Avery: The Charismatic Performer
Jack Robert Avery, born July 1, 1999, was known for his captivating stage presence and smooth vocals. Before joining the band, the Pennsylvania native released a solo single and even starred in a short film. He became a father in 2019, adding another dimension to his life outside of the band.
Zach Herron: The Youngest with a Viral Start
Zachary Dean Herron, born May 27, 2001, is the youngest member of the group. He shot to internet fame when his YouTube cover of Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches” went viral. The Dallas, Texas native’s youthful energy and impressive vocal range made him an essential part of the group’s appeal.
Their Journey Together and the Hiatus
From 2016 to 2022, Why Don’t We embarked on a rapid ascent to stardom. They released numerous EPs and a full-length studio album, 8 Letters, which was supported by an extensive world tour. The band was known for its prolific output and close connection with fans, often interacting with them through social media and vlogs.
In July 2022, the band announced an official hiatus due to ongoing legal battles with their former manager, leading to the cancellation of their tour. This marked the end of an era for the group, but it also opened a new chapter for each of the members to explore their own creative paths.
Life After Why Don’t We: Solo Careers
Since the hiatus, all five members have launched solo careers, allowing their individual styles to shine. They have been actively releasing new music, from EPs and mixtapes to collaborations with other artists. This new phase has given fans a deeper appreciation for the unique talents that each member brought to the band.
The Enduring Legacy of the Why Don’t We Members
Though the band is no longer together, the legacy of the Why Don’t We members continues. They represented a new model for boy bands in the digital age, leveraging social media to build a massive, grassroots following. Their story is one of individual talent, collective chemistry, and the power of a dedicated fanbase.
